Management Detail

Winter Moth/Bruce Spanworm

Winter Moth and Bruce Spanworm are two very closely related species. They have seldom been identified as an economic pest in raspberries but their feeding habits are such that it is difficult to assess their impact. Larvae appear in late winter/early spring before leaf break and can cause damage by feeding on the buds and thereby reducing yield. They are an occasional pest in raspberries. They can cause much more serious damage in blueberries. Feeding damage caused after leaf break is superficial. Larvae have pupated and are not present in the field by harvest so they are not a harvest contaminant.